I’m also a government employee and have used a loan ($50k) to cover the rehab of a property.I don’t see it as an all in thing, as a fed, you are working towards a pension, social security, still putting in 10% into a 401k (with employer match)  and have a regular w2 income as long as you want to hang around.

But I chose to just hang on, and today I am glad I did.

So, to separate the rare newbie who is willing to do the real work at educating himself on what really is necessary for success from the people who want to take what they perceive is the guru/mentor shortcut (or the “cheap” version in which instead of buying the program you hang around the edges seeking “free” information from those who have paid for those program) I will not answer specifically as to why the program they’re suggesting won’t work or is too risky or borders on illegal.  

Hanging a large boat motor from a tree.

Lots of management hassle.I've had a lot better experience leasing property by spending money in the backyard where they can hang out.

I purchased another property in the Palm Springs area that I converted into an STR which is also cash flowing.Yes, there are absolutely cash=flowing properties out there but they are not low-hanging fruit. 

Bought a 1980’s brass and white ceiling fan at a garage sale for $5, painted the brass parts wrinkle finish black, now it looks vintage.

Hey Spencer - if you like the area and can squeak out a bit of cashflow I'd consider hanging on to it and renting it out.

This seems fishy bc I doubt the city inspectors have time to just hang out around random houses and post violations.

I've been listening to the bigger pockets podcasts and I remember David Greene saying a few times that depending on your situation, if you can hang onto an appreciating asset even if it isn't quite cash flowing that it is sometimes a good move because appreciation builds wealth long-term and eventually rental rates will go up.